Best Campgrounds near Central City, CO

Central City is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Central City is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Central City, Colorado (396)

    1. Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    48 Reviews
    Eldorado Springs, CO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $18 / night

    "area was plowed open to exactly the width of our trailer, so with more than three feet of snow on the ground we needed to get some exercise and do a bit of shoveling so we could back in and be able to walk"

    "Late October is very unpredictable in Colorado for a camper who is primarily a tent camper."

    2. Denver West-Central City KOA

    28 Reviews
    Central City, CO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3043

    "This location is about 39 miles from Downtown Denver or about 45-60 mins (with traffic). They should just say Central City KOA in the title."

    "Very close to Central City and Blackhawk!"

    3. Reverend's Ridge Campground — Golden Gate Canyon

    29 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 582-3707

    $28 - $202 / night

    "This spot is just a quick ride outside of Golden. The scenery is gorgeous with several trails to hike or mountain bike. The campsites are clean and easy to get to."

    "Stunning campground nestled right outside Golden and Boulder Colorado. We couldn’t believe it…so close but you feel incredibly removed once you get there."

    4. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area

    50 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    16 miles
    Website

    "So the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area has around 15 numbered sites that are ok... but if you keep driving further down 233.1 you will find many more unnumbered campsites."

    "Getting here is easy, only a few miles away from Nederland and I had cell service (verizon) the entire time."

    5. West Magnolia Campground

    26 Reviews
    Nederland, CO
    11 miles
    Website

    "Not only is this pretty easy to reach, but Peak to Peak highway is great to drive. Just take P to P south from Nederland and turn right on HWY 132… Campsites and trailhead are about 1/2 mile down. "

    "Great (free) Forrest Service campground west of Boulder, CO near a cute little town Nederland."

    6. Chief Hosa Campground

    22 Reviews
    Kittredge, CO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (720) 913-0700

    $33 - $40 / night

    "They use a keycode system to restrict access to the centrally-located bathhouse (there is only one in the campground), which I thought was clever. "

    "The highway noise was very noticeable, but didn’t take away from the peaceful setting. It was a clean campground. The bathrooms and showers were clean and have a key code for entry."

    7. Columbine Campground - Outside of Denver

    14 Reviews
    Black Hawk, CO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $26 / night

    "Easy to access from Black Hawk/Central City. Tons of forests to explore nearby. It was very busy- sign said campground full but after a drive around all the sites we found one that was open!"

    "The proximity to Central City/ Black Hawk is crazy ( less than 2-3 miles) but the proximity to i70 is what makes it a hidden gem."

    8. Kelly Dahl

    20 Reviews
    Rollinsville, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 541-2500

    $29 / night

    "Kelly Dahl is a nice campground to get away from the heat of summer and be near Nederland and Blackhawk Colorado. It is quiet during the week and busy on the weekends."

    "Mountain biking and hiking are nearby. Nederland Colorado town is nearby (population about 8k) for supplies."

    9. Chinns Lake Dispersed Camping

    18 Reviews
    Empire, CO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 567-4382

    "Just outside of Idaho Springs, take the exit for Co Rd 275 off of I-70. It's a scenic drive up a curvy paved road for about 15 minutes."

    "It is about 7 miles of dirt road, and 4 miles of very challenging (for me) driving.

    Be sure to follow the sign LEFT to Chinns Lake. "

    10. Dakota Ridge RV Park

    38 Reviews
    Golden, CO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (303) 279-1625

    "This park is kind of pricey even in the winter (we stayed Nov22-Jan23) but it’s Colorado and it’s all pretty pricey. Park staff is super friendly and accommodating."

    "Good site if you want to be close to Denver but still have a short drive to the foothills."

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Recent Reviews near Central City, CO

2744 Reviews of 396 Central City Campgrounds



Guide to Central City

Camping near Central City, Colorado, offers a mix of stunning views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Moraine Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The hiking trail to Sprague Lake is about a mile with plenty of birds and other critters."
  • Fishing: Head to Glacier Basin Campground for some fishing fun. A visitor shared, "This is the perfect site if you love the mountains but want a lake day."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for moose and elk. One happy camper at Estes Park Campground at Mary's Lake noted, "The highlight was seeing Elk walk right into camp!"

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campsites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Cottonwood Campground — Boyd Lake State Park noted, "There were a LOT of spots but they were right on top of each other."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A visitor at Prospector Campground mentioned, "There is no water, no electric, no sewer."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, like Glacier Basin Campground, are only open from late May to early September.

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Moraine Park Campground noted, "The campground is easy to access and maneuver."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds have nearby activities that can be noisy. A visitor at Chatfield State Park Campground said, "We were woken up multiple mornings before 7AM to the sound of model airplanes."
  • Bring Cash for Amenities: Some campgrounds require cash for firewood and other supplies. A camper at Prospector Campground mentioned, "Firewood is nine dollars a bundle."

Camping near Central City, Colorado, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's good to be prepared. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Central City, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Central City, CO offers a wide range of camping options, with 396 campgrounds and RV parks near Central City, CO and 118 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Central City, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Central City, CO is Deer Creek Campground — Golden Gate Canyon with a 4.6-star rating from 48 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Central City, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 118 free dispersed camping spots near Central City, CO.

What parks are near Central City, CO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Central City, CO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.